Xifengite is a rare iron silicide mineral first discovered in kimberlite pipes in China. It typically occurs as microscopic irregular grains with a metallic luster, often found associated with other rare native metal and silicide phases in heavy mineral concentrates.
Is this xifengite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch xifengite with a known reference. Xifengite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xifengite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xifengite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Xifengite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside xifengite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xifengite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₅Si₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Kimberlite
- Typical price
- niche research material, pricing variable based on specimen size
Where rockhounds find xifengite
Classic worldwide localities
- Xifeng, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in kimberlite country, the host setting where xifengite typically forms. If you start seeing iron, native elements, silicides in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xifengite?+
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Find xifengite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
